Having to downsize is never easy, as it usually comes with the stress of a life transition such as changing careers, kids moving on, or elderly parents needing to be relocated. Learning to let go of non-essentials can be challenging, so we've prepared a few tips to help you with the process. Although downsizing can be a challenge, it can also be amazing to experience life without all those things you thought you couldn't "live without."

If your youngest child is preparing to leave for college, chances are you may be feeling uncertain about the future. I suppose that just as a new mother has the urge to nest, a retiring mother has the urge to de-clutter the nest. As I found out, however, frantically purging is a response triggered by stress.

Downsizing is not easy and usually comes with stressful life transitions like changing careers, kids moving on, or relocating. Learning to let go of non-essentials can be challenging, but can also be liberating. Imagine experiencing life without all the things you own, owning you! This is an opportunity for a fresh start. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process.

I have a friend who recently became an “empty nester.” As the days to her youngest child’s graduation approached, she found herself frantically purging everything in her home. Her family looked at her as if she had gone crazy as load after load of their “stuff” was piled up on the sidewalk waiting for the donation truck to arrive.